William Faulkner
William Faulkner wrote many stories depicting society during the early twentieth century. In his stories "Barn Burning" and "A Rose for Emily," Faulkner discusses how rich whites mistreat the tenant farmers who in turn abuse the blacks, tells about Colonel Sartoris Snopes's dilemma when his father wants him to lie, and explains how Emily was mistreated by men. Through his works, Faulkner discusses society of the pre-Depression era by explaining the class distinction, adulteration of morals, and subordination of women in order to show the corruption of the American dream. In "Barn Burning," Faulkner places an emphasis on the separation of social classes. Abner Scopes, a white tenant farmer, takes on a air of superiority when talking to a black servant. However, Scopes neglects the fact that he is poor compared to the servant. He degrades the servant, telling him, "Get out of my way, nigger" (Faulkner 1625). His command to the servant depicts how the tenants viewed themselves as better than the blacks. When he enters the house, Scopes further insults the servant by explaining the difference between blacks and whites when he says, "That's sweat. Nigger sweat. Maybe it ain't white enough yet to suit him. Maybe he wants t
The young Scopes boy learns through his own father that succeeding is more important than an unyielding set of morals. Through this conflict of justice and values, Faulkner shows that the American dream is corrupt because society values prosperity higher than a righteous and honest life. Moreover, the issue of landowners feeling superior to tenant farmers is also mentioned in "Barn Burning. Colonel Sartoris Scopes, the young son of Abner Scopes, has to testify in defense of his father after de Spain accuses the latter of burning down the barn. " Miss Emily loses her father and her one sweetheart deserted her. Using Colonel Sartoris as the narrator, the author explains to the reader that the only central figures in Emily's life are males. Colonel Sartoris knows that if he lies, he is obstructing the course of justice, but his father explains to him, "You're getting to be a man. You got to learn to stick to your blood or you ain't going to have any blood to stick to you" (1623). Faulkner once again depicts the unfairness of the American dream by showing that women are dependent upon the men in their lives. However, Faulkner gives the reader a glimpse into her dependence on the male figures in her life. He knows only if he lies is there a chance that the court will acquit his father. He states, "We remembered all the young men her father had driven away, and we knew that with nothing left, she would have to cling to that which had robbed her, as people will" (460). Faulkner also describes the subordination of women in his work "A Rose for Emily.
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